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1912. New Mexico and Arizona become the 47th and 48th states. Woodrow Wilson becomes President and the luxurious RMS Titanic goes to its watery grave. It was a time of opulence and automotive splendor. Total attention was focused on the finer things life could offer. The Packard
was no exception. Though not as pricey as the Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Peerless, Marmon or Simplex, none possessed any better quality of manufacture than Packard. These mostly handcrafted pieces of rolling artwork were made to survive and survive in style.
Issued 9/90, this replica, too, is opulent in brasswork from rear coach above and below, to the running lights and headlamps. The metal radiator grill is brass. Even engine parts are not immune to this rich treatment. The model regales in wood. Dash, floorboards and running board treads
are treated to real wood in a celebration of the classic 1:1 beauty. The owners may choose to enjoy a brisk autumn drive warmed by the lap blanket thoughtfully hung behind the front seat. A brass footrail over the white carpet completes the rear quarters very lavishly. Accents abound in gold striping on toolboxes, a well-appointed trunk and finely detailed dash gauges.
If you like Packards, you have to love this one. True to its day, it is one of the finer Packard replicas. The issue price is $135.
(10/02/1998)
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